Well, fall in some ways has finally arrived in southern
California. October is that weird month where the morning starts out crispy and
cool, but by the afternoon it’s pretending to be August again. Recently,
though, the fall weather seems to be triumphing over summer, which we happily
welcome. Although weather-wise it’s just now feeling like fall, it’s been
“fall” in the Crawford household for some time now. Steve started his fall
semester the third week of August, so by now he’s already about half-way
through his classes! This semester he’s tackling three classes:
Apologetics/Evangelism, Theology 3 and Philosophy of Ministry. We’ve definitely
been enjoying a break from the study of biblical languages, but the 17 books
he’s been assigned to read this semester have been keeping him busy. Although
seminary always comes with a certain degree of pressure, we’ve been thankful
for the opportunity to be at TMS and for all of the things he gets to
study/learn.
This semester I’ve also gotten to connect a bit more with
the seminary world. Every Wednesday night, down at the church, I get to attend
what is called “Sem Wives.” At this meeting the wives get to hear from either a
seminary professor or his wife. In addition we are divided up into tables, so
for the discussion time we have a “table leader” and a group of gals we’ll be
with for the duration of the year. It’s been neat to get to know some of the
other seminary wives – they’ve come from all over the country and the world and
are all at different places in life, but it’s encouraging to hear how the Lord
led them to the seminary and how He continues to meet them while their husbands
are here studying.
One more update is that Steve and I decided to pull out
of serving in Jr. High ministry earlier this summer. We had really enjoyed
being part of this ministry, but it proved to be too much between work and
seminary. We’ve decided to attend a fellowship group at Grace Community Church called
“Mainstream.” We are still trying to get plugged in there, but we’re beginning
to make friends.
A few items to pray for:
1.
That Steve and I would maintain the Lord as our
first priority. It’s funny how all sorts of other things can seem to crowd out
time with Him.
2.
Pray for Steve as he juggles the responsibilities
of work and seminary.
3.
Pray for work for me – Grace to You is hosting
the “Strange Fire” conference next week (Oct. 16-18) and we are anticipating
upwards of 3500-4000 people. Pray that the conference would be a blessing to
those who attend and that the Lord would be honored. Please also pray that all
of the many details surrounding this conference would come together. I would
also appreciate prayer that I would sleep – I keep dreaming about my job and
wake up thinking I’ve forgotten to do something. J
4.
Pray for us as we seek to get plugged in to our
fellowship group. Since we’re new to this group we still feel a little out of
place, but are asking the Lord to help us focus on Him and seek to
serve/encourage the others in this group as we get to know them.
Thank you so much! We love you all and appreciate your
prayers.
